Kotoshoho

Haru 2026: Day Nine

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , , , ,

Day Nine in Osaka. As usual, let’s swing by the infirmary for any updates and we’ve got a couple of injury items. Abi is back in the action today and will fight Churanoumi. Secondly, Onokatsu is kyujo, again. Shodai will pick up the default victory. Onokatsu’s participation over the past few days has been painful to watch. Unfortunately, his foot injury will likely mean he will drop into Juryo but better to heal and come back than continue to do more damage while losing.

Thank you, Leonid, for posting in my absence. The comments sections were busy, even without me and that was great to see. The Makushita yusho race is heating up and I bring great follow-on news about Enho! He picked up his fourth win today, cementing his kachi-koshi.

NHK has videos of today’s action here.

Makuuchi Action

Asahakuryu (6-3) defeated Kinbozan (4-5). Asahakuryu put an end to Kinbozan’s tsuppari by working his way inside and getting a right-hand inside, left-hand outside hold of Kinbozan’s mawashi. He stood Kinbozan up high and steadily worked him to the side of the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (6-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-4). Chiyoshoma shoved Fujiseiun to the edge but Fujiseiun used his excellent footwork to rotate and force Chiyoshoma’s back to the tawara. Fujiseiun then used his hazuoshi to shove Chiyoshoma up and out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (6-3) defeated Fujiryoga (5-4). From a perilous position at the edge, Asakoryu got a left-hand inside grip, pivoted to his left and pulled Fujiryoga forward to the floor. Shitatenage.

Mitakeumi (4-5) defeated Oshoumi (2-7). Oshoumi forced Mitakeumi to the edge where Mitakeumi shuffled right and forced Oshoumi out with a shove in the back. Oshoumi had the look of a kid who was just about to enjoy a nice, big, cold ice cream only to have a seagull come down swoop down from nowhere and poop on it. Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi (5-4) defeated Nishikifuji (4-5). Shishi got his right arm inside Nishikifuji’s shoulder and shoved him hard to the left. This staggered Nishikifuji and Shishi kept shoving until Nishikifuji was off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (3-6) defeated Roga (3-6). Tobizaru slipped Roga’s grasp to the left and pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (8-1) defeated Kotoeiho (6-3). Gonoyama blitzed Kotoeiho and immediately put him on his heels by leading with his head. Kotoeiho tried to turn and pull but Gonoyama had him well within his grasp. Gonoyama quickly shoved him out. With his eighth win, Gonoyama is the first rikishi in the top division to earn his kachi-koshi this tournament. I did NOT have that on my bingo card. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (5-4) defeated Tamawashi (2-7). Tamawashi gave it the old college try and forced Asanoyama to the edge but Asanoyama got his left hand inside Tamawashi’s right shoulder and heaved him over to the ground. Sukuinage.

Oshoma (4-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-5). Oshoma pulled Tokihayate’s hands forward, then seized the back of his belt to pull him down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Shodai (6-3) claimed the default win over Onokatsu (1-6-2).

Halftime

Hakunofuji (2-3-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). After a long lean, Hakunofuji forced the issue with a trip attempt. Ichiyamamoto kept his balance and used the leverage to force Hakunofuji to the edge with his strong yotsu sumo. At the bales, Hakunofuji shoved Ichi with his left hand, giving him space to slide left and pull Ichiyamamoto down with his right. What an escape! Uwatehineri.

Kotoshoho (8-1) defeated Ura (4-5). Kotoshoho assaulted Ura from the word, “jump,” and did not relent until Ura was sent flying from the dohyo. Another rank-and-file kachi-koshi, and a lucrative one, to boot. Might be able to buy a new pair of sandals or a nice handbag. Oshidashi.

Abi (1-3-5) defeated Churanoumi (3-6). Abi-zumo was back in force today. A steady stream of tsuppari to Churanoumi’s face followed by a slap-down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage defeated Yoshinofuji. Wakatakakage hit Yoshinofuji at the tachiai and shifted slightly left. However slight, it was enough for Yoshinofuji to slip forward to the clay. No one else saw Wakamotoharu slip the banana peel up there to help his brother out but I saw. I’ve got my eye on you, Onami-kun. I’ve got my eye on you. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (4-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-4). Atamifuji had just shoved Fujinokawa to the edge when he decided to execute the slowest slapdown attempt in history. He did pivot, I’ll give him that, but then he just went backwards again and Fujinokawa shoved him out with a flurry of tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-7) defeated Hiradoumi (5-4). Hiradoumi drove Wakamotoharu to the edge but Wakamotoharu used his right arm in Hiradoumi’s left shoulder to pull him over the bales. Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. What a spectacular throw! This was the “counter-move” that Konishiki mentioned in his kimarite video. Sorry, I have watched these so many times that I have, “a counter mooove,” cued up in my head when I see utchari.

Kirishima (8-1) defeated Daieisho (4-5). Kirishima got separation from Daieisho. Then Daieisho charged forward like the bull in “Bully for Bugs.” Like that slippery rabbit, Kirishima shifted to the side and Daieisho went on by and Kiri shoved him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (5-4) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho chose a poor time to pull and Kotozakura shoved Oho over the bales. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (4-5) defeated Takayasu (6-3). Aonishiki is back to his fundamentals. He’s shaken off the nightmare of the last few days and used steady tsuppari to drive Takayasu back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-2) defeated Takanosho (7-2). Takanosho shoved the Yokozuna’s head back as hard as he could but Hoshoryu took it in stride. When Takanosho relented, Hoshoryu drove forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

We’ve got a five-man yusho race at the moment. Sadly, Takayasu falls from the race, along with Kotoeiho.

一敗: Kirishima, Kotoshoho, Gonoyama

二敗: Hoshoryu, Takanosho

Kirishima is making a solid go of it. While Aonishiki’s Yokozuna run came to an end in a dreadful three-bout losing streak, Kirishima’s hopes of returning to Ozeki are looking brighter. Kirishima picked up his seventh win in a row and eighth overall by shoving Takayasu out of contention. He’ll need to dig deep because Takanosho owns him in their rivalry, 17-6.

Let’s turn to tomorrow’s pairings. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi, Kirishima will fight Takanosho and Takayasu will fight Oho. Aonishiki will fight Hiradoumi and Kotozakura will step up to face Daieisho. Hoshoryu will close out Day Ten against Wakamotoharu.

It’s great to be back and I’ll see you here tomorrow.

Haru 2026: Day Four

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

News from the infirmary that Onosato will be kyujo from Day Four. Yoshinofuji will receive the default win. Also, we have news that Onokatsu will return tomorrow, Day Five. Onokatsu will fight Takanosho.

In Juryo, the leadership group with four wins has narrowed to four men, Wakanosho (who might be looking to repeat his yusho from Hatsu), Kyokukaiyu, Kazuma and the newly promoted, shin-nyumaku, Fujitensei.

The NHK videos for Day Four are here. Of course, if you want to bookmark this page it has links to bouts from the previous two tournaments, as well.

Makuuchi action

Asahakuryu (3-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-2). Just as Fujiryoga began to chug forward, Asahakuryu shifted to his right and hooked his right arm under Fujiryoga’s left shoulder and thrust him forward to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoeiho (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-2). Henka! Kotoeiho shifted to his left at the tachiai and slapped Kinbozan down. Hikiotoshi.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-2). Nishikifuji got a left hand inside grip and Mitakeumi fought well with his right-hand overarm grip. Mitakeumi tried to pull and that’s when Nishikifuji was able to charge forward and force Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru got his right hand inside. Fujiseiun battled to get his left hand overarm grip but couldn’t quite get it. So, Fujiseiun grabbed Tobizaru’s right arm and pivoted, trying a kotenage. This broke Tobizaru’s hold on Fujiseiun’s belt. Fujiseiun followed up by shoving Tobizaru until he pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-2). Asanoyama wasn’t playing around today. He worked his right arm in under Chiyoshoma’s left shoulder and swung Chiyoshoma down by pulling hard and rotated counter-clockwise, dragging him down. Sukuinage.

Asakoryu (3-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-3). While Oshoumi still struggled to get a sashi, Asakoryu had locked on with his left-hand inside and threw Oshoumi with that left-hand grip. I need to get stats on the length of guys’ arms. Asakoryu had that grip but was able to extend his body and keep Oshoumi off his belt because Oshoumi couldn’t reach that far. Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (2-2) defeated Roga (2-2). Tokihayate got his right-hand inside grip and pulled Roga forward, flipping him over the bales. Shitatenage.

Shishi (2-2) defeated Tamawashi (0-4). Tamawashi owns the record in makuuchi bouts at 1471, breaking Kyokutenho’s record. Tamawashi tried everything. He hit Shishi with fierce tsuppari, tried a slapdown, wrenched Shishi’s arm for a kotenage…but Shishi stood. As Tamawashi did the unthinkable, grabbed Shishi’s belt and heaved toward the bales, Shishi used a last second left-hand belt grip to counter-attack and throw Tamawashi over the edge. I know folks have been talking about Tamawashi as being winless this tournament so far but the old man certainly brought the heat today. He just got beat by better sumo. “Zannen desu”, as they say. Shitatenage.

Shodai (3-1) defeated Gonoyama (3-1). Shodai shifted left then right, knocked Gonoyama off-balance and thrust him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (1-3) defeated Ura (3-1). Homeboy finally lost. Ura tried to feel his way forward through Daieisho’s tsuppari but Daieisho quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Takanosho (4-0) defeated Oshoma (2-2). Takanosho blasted Oshoma back to the bales. As Oshoma tried to brace against the tawara, he took a knee. Takanosho slapped him down just to be sure but this is one of those, “Oops,” non-winning moves. Tsukihiza.

Hiradoumi (3-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-2). Hiradoumi pressed through Ichiyamamoto’s volleys of tsuppari, charged forward and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-0) defeated Oho (1-3). This was a great bout where both men battered each other with headbutts and tsuppari, leaving both men bloodied. An exhausted Oho flopped down onto the bales, rather comedically. Oho knew the slapdown was coming. He’d faced about five attempts and defeated all of them with solid footwork. Rather than resist this final slapdown, he embraced it. “Please, end it. Just, end it. I’m tired.” Well, you’ll never make Ozeki with that attitude. From out of nowhere, Shodai pipes in. “Don’t be so sure.” Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (2-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-4). Wakamotoharu wasn’t even a blocking sled. Wakamotoharu moved back as if he were a blocking sled with thousands of helium balloons tied to it so that it hovered an inch off the ground. A strong fart could have taken him out. WTH, WMH? You hurt, too? Maybe we’ve got one more on kyujo watch. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-1) defeated Wakatakakage (1-3). Kirishima forced Wakatakakage to the bales with his initial charge. Wakatakakage resisted so Kirishima grabbed him with his left-hand over-arm grip, right hand up under WTK’s shoulder, and drove forward. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji default win over Onosato. No doubt sad he misses out on a double-fisted payday.

Churanoumi (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (2-2). What a brawl. Both men peppered the other with tsuppari. Churanoumi tried a little misdirection but Aonishiki’s footwork was excellent and he re-engaged. Aonishiki’s tsuppari wouldn’t move Churanoumi back so he pulled and Churanoumi surged forward with both men crashing down along the bales. Gunbai Churanoumi. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

News Break?!?!?! You’re literally going to have the news in 23 minutes! “Andy, we’re starved for action…and for oil. There’s barely anyone left to fight and we can’t drag things out forever. Besides, these oil ships are a big deal for us.”

Takayasu (4-0) defeated Kotozakura (3-1). Kotozakura stood his ground and didn’t reverse immediately to the bales. Instead, he stood up Takayasu and tried to shove him back. Both men locked on to each other’s belt. Kotozakura pulled back to get a better inside grip with the left hand and that’s when Takayasu surged forward. Kotozakura freaked out and backed away but Takayasu was not letting go with that left hand. Takayasu chased and forced the Ozeki out. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (2-2) defeated Hoshoryu (3-1). The disrupter strikes again. Kinboshi Number Two. Fujinokawa charged ahead as Hoshoryu rotated left. Fujinokawa backed away and slapped the Yokozuna down. This one is totally on the Yokozuna. He needed much better footwork and a plan would have been nice. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Freaking upsets!! Onosato out. Hoshoryu falls. Kotozakura had just started looking solid!!! Now, Aonishiki’s first rope-run is on life support. Takayasu leads Kotoshoho and Takanosho. Well, at least we don’t have Fujiryoga or Kotoeiho on a yusho run. Dig up the squid!!

When the descriptions get long and Andy starts getting silly, it’s time for bed. Not before we take a look at tomorrow’s bouts, though. So, what do we have on tap? Atamifuji will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu will fight Yoshinofuji, and Kirishima is set to take on Wakamotoharu. Kotozakura will fight Wakatakakage, Aonishiki versus Fujinokawa and Hoshoryu ends the day’s action against Churanoumi.

Nagoya 2025: Senshuraku

Andy Nagoya 2025, Nagoya Basho

No new kyujo here on senshuraku, thankfully. There is more than our share of walking wounded, though. I really would not have minded if Meisei had decided to watch today’s action from home.

In Juryo, Mita won the yusho despite being slapped down for a loss in his senshuraku bout against Shonannoumi. Both Daiseizan and Kōtokuzan lost to their opponents so neither could force a playoff. Eleven wins was enough for an outright yusho with six guys just behind.

Your lower division yusho winners are here:

Your NHK videos of today’s action is here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Special Prizes

With Hakuho gone, former Ozeki Takakeisho took over the role of displaying who earned special prizes on the Kyokai’s Twitter feed.

Outstanding Performance: Tamawashi, Whomever is Yusho-winner

Fighting Spirit: Kusano, Kotoshoho, Fujinokawa (with a win today)

Technique: Aonishiki, Kusano

Turning our attention to the top division yusho race, Kotoshoho and Aonishiki control their own destiny while Kusano must beat Takayasu and needs Aonishiki to beat Kotoshoho for him to have a spot in the playoff. If Kotoshoho beats Aonishiki, he claims the yusho outright. If Aonishiki wins, we will have a playoff and it will be an extra-interesting three-way battle if Kusano earns his spot.

Top Division Action

Shishi (7-8) defeated Asakoryu (6-9). Shishi wrapped up Asakoryu with a right-hand inside and steadily drove him to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (10-5) defeated Tokihayate (6-9). Mitakeumi got his right hand inside but Tokihayate pulled away to the left. Mitakeumi stuck with him, though and shoved him out easily. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (9-6) defeated Shodai (9-6). Shodai forced Takanosho to the edge but Takanosho slipped from his grip to the left and then hit him with a nodowa. Shodai pulled away but Takanosho chased and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (11-4) defeated Churanoumi (9-6). Atamifuji worked his right hand inside and tried to use gaburi-yotsu hip thrusts but that was slow going with only one hand on the belt and his left awkwardly wrapped around Churanoumi’s right arm. Churanoumi resisted well but eventually pulled, allowing Atamifuji the momentum he needed to force Churanoumi out. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (6-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-14). Chiyoshoma gave it his all and tried to throw Kotoeiho with his right-over arm grip, then his left-hand under arm. Kotoeiho’s excellent footwork allowed him to keep Chiyoshoma in front and he toppled Chiyoshoma over the edge with his own uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (10-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (9-6). Ichiyamamoto charged forward behind his standard tsuppari but Fujinokawa slipped to Ichi’s right and slapped him down to claim his Fighting Spirit prize in his top division debut. Hatakikomi.

Kayo (4-11) defeated Meisei (3-12). With Meisei’s thigh injury, we saw some offense from Kayo. Instead of jamming his gear into reverse, he stood and brawled then shoved Meisei to the ground when Meisei pulled. Oshitaoshi.

Hiradoumi (8-7) defeated Roga (7-8). Hiradoumi charged straight into Roga who tried a twisting utchari at the edge. Both men tumbled down. Gunbai Hiradoumi. No mono-ii. It was close. Yoritaoshi.

Kinbozan (4-11) defeated Sadanoumi (4-11). Kinbozan hit Sadanoumi with several powerful thrusts to the face and thrust him out quickly. I think Sadanoumi tasted blood after that beating. That felt like the quickest first half in recorded history. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Hidenoumi (2-11-2) defeated Onokatsu (6-9). Onokatsu assaulted Hidenoumi with nodowa then buried his top-knot in Hidenoumi’s chin and pressed forward. Hidenoumi resisted the best he could and worked his way back to center, even forcing Onokatsu to the bales. Onokatsu then pulled and Hidenoumi punished him by driving him over the edge for his second win of the tournament. In his haste to get back to the shitakubeya, Hidenoumi nearly forgot to pick up his kensho. Yorikiri.

Abi (9-6) defeated Midorifuji (9-6). Midorifuji henka and pull but this is Abi. Abi knew what was up and he shoved Midorifuji out. Quiet crowd tonight. Taps the microphone. “Is this thing on?” Oshidashi.

Oho (7-8) defeated Hakuoho (8-7). Oho battered Hakuoho with tsuppari and thrust him out. Tsukidashi.

Gonoyama (9-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-9). Gonoyama was all offense as he hit Wakamotoharu with repeated thrusts, effectively keeping him off his belt. Gonoyama kept pounding him back toward the edge and thrust him over. Tsukidashi.

Kotoshoho (13-2) defeated Aonishiki (11-4). Kotoshoho hit Aonishiki hard at the tachiai and began gaburi bunny hops and drove Aonishiki back toward the edge. Kotoshoho was trying to work both hands inside for a morozashi and Aonishiki pressed forward but Kotoshoho quickly pulled and thrust Aonishiki forward to the ground. Kotoshoho Yusho. Mom is crying, Dad is proud. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (10-5) defeated Kusano (11-4). Takayasu battered Kusano with a steady torrent of tsuppari, backing the rookie to the bales and out. Kusano tried to keep up with the tsuppari by blocking his arms but far too many blows hit their mark. You could see several head shots land which put Kusano in a bad way, then a body shot at the edge seemed to take the wind out of him. Finally safe at the foot of the dohyo, Kusano seemed to be questioning his life choices. Poor kid. Tsukidashi.

Tamawashi (11-4) defeated Oshoma (3-12). Both men gave their best today but the Iron Man out-lasted Oshoma. An early shift and pull-down attempt by Oshoma gave Tamawashi a good deal of trouble but Tamawashi recovered and countered. As he charged forward, he found himself too close to Oshoma for tsuppari so he grabbed Oshoma’s belt and drove him to the edge. Oshoma resisted along the bales and tried to escape but good ole Tom O’Washi bellied O’Shoma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (10-5) defeated Kirishima (8-7). Wakatakakage hit Kirishima hard then batted him to the left while grabbing at his thong. Everyone wants to get their hands on Kirishima’s thong. Maybe he’s particularly vulnerable to wedgies. Anyway, while Kirishima tried to turn back around and avoid being okuridashi’ed, WTK kept up the attack, wrapped him up and pressed forward, forcing him off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Onosato (11-4) defeated Kotozakura (8-7). Onosato, steady on his feet, faced Kotozakura well and pressed Kotozakura out. Kotozakura had tried to escape to the left and execute an uwatenage but Onosato moved laterally to keep Kotozakura in front of him. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Kotoshoho was able to put together a fantastic 13-win performance while the best anyone from sanyaku could manage was Onosato’s 11. Still, Wakatakakage’s 10 wins is good enough to put him on a reasonable path to Ozeki promotion in September, which is excellent news. Kirishima’s five straight losses to end the tournament will effectively put him back at zero. The biggest story, though, is this host of young guns making their presence known and who will probably find themselves in sanyaku very soon.

Well, that was an interesting two weeks. We were certainly hit with more than our share of injuries, especially at the top of the division. There are a lot of walking wounded, too, as I mentioned above. I know Hoshoryu tried to make good on the promise of a Yokozuna duel on senshuraku. But he will stay kyujo for the first part of the Jungyo tour and hopefully his broken toe will be healed next time he mounts the dohyo.

Onosato gave up four kinboshi and must feel disappointed in his debut given the hype coming into the tournament. But the man still has not won fewer than 9 bouts in a tournament. He got eleven wins here and this should be considered a pretty successful result. He is not going to win them all but he will want to perform better against the rank-and-file. Well, at least the Kyokai accountants would be appreciative of extra effort in those bouts.

Anyway, If people were expecting the second-coming of prime Hakuho, well, give the kid a few tournaments. What is clear is that both Hoshoryu and Onosato are feeling the full weight of the expectations of their office even though both guys just got here. Let’s see where things go.

Nagoya 2025: Day Fourteen

Andy Kotoshoho, Nagoya 2025, Nagoya Basho , , , ,

Kyujo news first. Ura is out from today and Midorifuji will pick up the walkover win. Mita defeated Daiseizan with a lightning quick pull at the tachiai. Mita picked up his eleventh win while Daiseizan flopped down to his fourth loss and a tie with Kōtokuzan for second place.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho (5-9) defeated Nishikigi (7-7). Kotoeiho pressed forward to the tawara. Nishikigi tried to dump him over the edge and pivoted along the tawara but Kotoeiho drove him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Kayo (3-11) defeated Hidenoumi (1-10-2). Kayo charged forward hard, attacked Hidenoumi with a nodowa and then pulled Hidenoumi down for the slapdown victory. That’s what Andy wants to see. The full reverse garbage is just capitulation. But apparently Kayo only wants to fight the injured guys? Hatakikomi.

Churanoumi (9-5) defeated Mitakeumi (9-5). Mitakeumi charged forward and forced Churanoumi to the edge. At the bales, Churanoumi shifted to the right along the bales, shoved Mitakeumi to the side and then pushed Mitakeumi out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (9-5) defeated Takanosho (8-6). Takanosho tried to slap Fujinokawa down at the tachiai but Fujinokawa kept his balance and pivoted. Takanosho then charged forward but Fujinokawa slipped to the side and pulled Takanosho down. Hikiotoshi.

Shishi (6-8) defeated Tokihayate (6-8). Tokihayate got his right hand inside for a katasukashi pull down and pivoted but Shishi pressed forward and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Shodai (9-5) defeated Roga (7-7). Shodai pressed Roga forward to the bales. Roga attempted to resist at the bales but Shodai dumped him with a strong left hand over-arm throw. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (9-5) default win over Ura (8-6).

Asakoryu (6-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-13). You have to give it to Chiyoshoma. He gave it his all here but Asakoryu dumped him over the edge with his left-hand inside. Shitatenage.

Tamawashi (10-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (9-5). Ichiyamamoto started out with his tsuppari so Tamawashi gauged Ichiyamamoto in the face and then slipped his right hand inside to drive Ichiyamamoto back and out. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (6-8) defeated Kinbozan (3-11). Onokatsu weathered Kinbozan’s shoves and slapdown attempts. When Kinbozan tired, Onokatsu slipped in and drove Kinbozan back for a yorikiri win.

Halftime

Oho (6-8) defeated Gonoyama (8-6). Oho braved the torrent of Gonoyama’s tsuppari and pressed forward for a step and then quickly pulled and slapped Gonoyama down for the hatakikomi victory.

Hakuoho (8-6) defeated Abi (8-6). Abi tried to slap Hakuoho down and pulled him around the ring with his deep hold on Hakuoho’s mawashi. But Hakuoho refused to go down and from his solid, low position shoved Abi over the edge. Oshidashi.

Kusano (11-3) defeated Aonishiki (11-3). Kusano got a deep left hand outside grip and pulled Aonishiki forward, attempting the slapdown. Aonishiki did not go down easy but Kusano kept pressing forward and forced Aonishiki to step out. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (6-8) defeated Meisei (3-11). Meisei’s thigh is taped up but he had to keep that leg forward with most of his lower body resistance coming from the left. The pair attacked each other with flurries of tsuppari and Wakamotoharu waited Meisei out. When Meisei shifted so that weak right leg was braced at the bales, he thrust Meisei down. Tsukitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Sadanoumi (4-10) defeated Oshoma (3-11). Sadanoumi pressed Oshoma back and drove him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (9-5) defeated Atamifuji (10-4). Atamifuji drove Takayasu to the edge and nearly forced him out but Takayasu resisted, worked his way back to the center of the ring and got a firm right hand inside grip. While a tired Atamifuji pondered what to do next, Takayasu dumped him with a beautiful underarm throw. Atamifuji was pissed at himself because he was so close. He angrily flagellated himself with his sagari as he walked back down the hanamichi in defeat. Shitatenage.

Kotoshoho (12-2) defeated Kirishima (8-6). When Kirishima started to charge forward, Kotoshoho slipped to the side, grabbed Kirishima’s thong and threw him forward over the bales. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (8-6) defeated Hiradoumi (7-7). While Hiradoumi was low and trying to find a belt grip, Kotozakura quickly twisted him down. Sukuinage.

Onosato (10-4) defeated Wakatakakage (9-5). Onosato patiently drove forward as WTK pulled and stepped out. Oshidashi.

Wrap up

Heading into Senshuraku, M15 Kotoshoho holds sole possession of the lead with 12 wins. Aonishiki and Kusano trail with 11.

Kotozakura picked up that important win number eight.

Pairings for tomorrow have not been posted. I’ll send out an update when they’ve made decisions about the torikumi for Senshuraku. Kotoshoho has already beat Kusano but has not fought Aonishiki. He also has not fought Ozeki Kotozakura. (And he can’t, as J reminded me. As if the KOTO- prefix wasn’t enough of a hint, they’re in the same heya. Silly me! Next tournament I will propose a bout with Kotoeiho for extra egg on my face. Stablemate, brother, and different division by then.)

The bout makers have themselves a pickle. Do they hand out a yusho to Kotoshoho after fighting 1 Yokozuna, 1 Sekiwake and 1 Komusubi?

***Update*** As Thomas noted, the bout list is out. Kotoshoho versus Aonishiki and Kusano versus Takayasu.

For our sanyaku bouts, Onosato will fight Kotozakura, Wakatakakage will fight Kirishima, and Oshoma will face Tamawashi.